Mental Health Awareness Month: The Challenge
May 2, 2024Welcome to Mental Health Awareness Month 2024
Since 1949, the month of May has been dubbed, “Mental Health Awareness Month.” This is a time to increase public awareness, smash stigma, share resources, and to become a part of the solution. It is no secret that our world is in the midst of a mental health crisis. The efforts we make as individuals, organizations, and communities are critical in shifting the tides. Join us this month for weekly posts that aim to educate, prepare, and provide hope for you in your journey to navigate and support your own mental health and the mental health of your community.
What can you expect each week? You will receive general information, resources to watch, read, and do, and a weekly challenge to put the week’s learning into action. All resources can be used by adults and/or with youth! Each resource aims to arm you with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to be a steward for Mental Health Community Care. Thank you for your participation!
To Do (Weekly Challenge)
Complete one of the activities below, reflect using the YMCA of the USA’s Mental Health Community Care Resources exercise Defining Mental Health as a guide, and share it with a trusted friend, family member or colleague!
What is Mental Health?
YMCA of the USA defines mental health as how one thinks, feels, and acts, which means that everyone has mental health! Our mental health is an important part of our overall health and social-emotional well-being, as well as a core component of our identity. A major way that anyone can be a part of the solution when it comes to mental health is acknowledging these truths. Check out the resources below to dig deeper into this concept!
To Watch
What is mental health? What every child needs to know! This quick video is perfect as a conversation starter with youth, and it is great for adults, too!
To Read
As mentioned above, a goal here is to destigmatize mental health as a taboo topic. A part of smashing the stigma is opening the door for conversation and curiosity. Check out this article from Lyra Health, called Mental Health Stigma and How to Overcome it.
As always, please remember to tend to your own mental and physical health needs before you can support others. Thank you for taking care of you! This world needs your unique gifts.
Please reach out to Katie Soule, Director of Social and Emotional Wellbeing at ksoule@graniteymca.org with questions or for more information.
